Author: Ashlee Shefer
Reviewed By: Brindusa Vanta

Caregiver burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion caused by providing ongoing care and support for a sick, injured or disabled loved one. It results from exerting too much energy, time or strength on caregiving responsibilities, causing physical and emotional symptoms that negatively affect health and make it difficult to care for yourself or your loved one. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

Common symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

  • Persistent stress and emotional strain from balancing caregiving duties with other life obligations
  • Physical and/or mental exhaustion
  • Low energy
  • Disinterest in engaging in hobbies or spending time with friends and family, resulting in social isolation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

When mental health plummets, it becomes increasingly difficult to prioritize personal care needs, including basic hygiene and sleep. Neglecting personal care affects your physical health, making you more susceptible to illnesses or headaches. Without relief, these symptoms can reduce your effectiveness as a caregiver and make you feel guilty or irritated for failing to care for your loved one properly.

How Do You Alleviate Caregiver Burnout?

You can alleviate caregiver burnout by recognizing symptoms, seeking support and prioritizing self-care. If you’re experiencing burnout symptoms, don’t try to push through and hope they go away on their own. This only worsens the condition, putting yourself and your loved one at risk for further health complications. 

Some steps you can take include:

  • Ask family and friends for help: Delegating responsibilities gives you time to relax, recharge and focus on personal health or self-care activities, including exercising, journaling or going out with friends. 
  • Seek support from a therapist or counselor: This provides a safe space to vent and learn coping strategies for stress or other mental health issues.
  • Search for caregiver support groups: Whether in-person or online, support groups allow you to connect with individuals sharing similar experiences to exchange advice and feel less alone.